Enjoy summer in Middelfart
The sun hits the belt early in the morning.
The water shifts from grey to blue-green, and a harbour porpoise breaks the surface for a moment – then it's gone again. That's how many summer days begin in Middelfart.
Middelfart sits in the middle of Lillebælt, surrounded by 117 km of coastline. It's not a destination that shouts loudly – but it has a lot to offer, and summer is the time of year when everything opens up.
By the sea
On the water, you can join a whale safari and follow the porpoise. If you want to feel the water, spend a day at the beach or head out by canoe or SUP. Bridgewalking on the old Lillebælt Bridge sends you 60 metres above the belt with views to both sides of Denmark.
The sails from Gl. Havn in Middelfart and out into Lillebælt. Here, you will be able to spot the dark back of the porpoises hunting for fish and you're right there with them.
The paddle rests in your hands. The water in Gamborg Fjord lies still. At Gamborgen, you can rent a canoe or SUP board and spend a day on one of Lillebælt's fjords.
Middelfart has 117 km of coastline and several Blue Flag beaches along Lillebælt. From shallow sandy bottoms to open strait views. Find your beach and plan your day by the water.
Winding trails and nature playgrounds
On land, trails wind through beech forests, along clifftops and into Hindsgavl Dyrehave, where deer roam freely. Staurby Skov has a family area with a nature Playground, Tarzan course and sandpit – great if you're looking for a full day out with children.
The trail changes character along the way. The forest opens to the water, the slope drops abruptly towards the coast, and there lies Lillebælt: still or rippling, depending on the weather.
In Hindsgavl Dyrehave, the paths wind through a manor landscape with deers and the nature of the Hindsgavl Peninsula as a backdrop.
Staurby Forest is Middelfart's large public forest with hiking trails, mountain bike routes, disc golf and a dog park. Open all day and free access for everyone.
Culture, town life and nature
In summer, Middelfart hums with life, and CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art shows ceramics of international standing. Explore the architecture and museums, take a break at a café and browse one of the markets.
Nature experiences at Lillebælt don't need to be planned down to the last detail. Some of the best summer days start with a parking space, a good pair of shoes and the desire to try a bit of everything.
Culture in Middelfart doesn't sit behind glass. It lives in an old hop warehouse, in an inn by the strait, in a hospital room. MIND, CLAY, Henner Friisers Hus, and KulturØen tell the story of this place as it really is.
Naturcenter Hindsgavl is award-winning for its energy-efficient design. The town hall was designed by Henning Larsen. Architecture in Middelfart is no coincidence and it's worth exploring.
Cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops with views of Lillebælt. Food tastes better with the sea and sky as the backdrop. Local produce craft beer and big ice cream cones all year round.
Half-timbered houses, town houses and hollyhocks set the scene in the Old Town. Wooden ships rest in the harbour; the planer works the wood in the shipyard. Gl. Havn is Denmark's first UNESCO-recognised cultural harbour.
What's on while you're in Middelfart
The New Little Belt Bridge sets the stage for Rock Under Broen in Middelfart. With a view overlooking the picturesque Little Belt, you can experience the music from some of the best soloists and bands.
Hindsgavl Festival classical music festival takes place at Hindsgavl Castle in Middelfart with many international classical artists.
Swinging jazz rhythms, international stars and a vibrant atmosphere await you at Middelfart Jazz Festival each year.
Come and experience Sindssyg God Søndag
Klimafolkemødet in Middelfart is an annual event that puts climate at the top of the agenda for three days in early September.
Here you'll find the events taking place while you're in Middelfart. Music, nature experiences, and climate debates — some are returning every year, others happen just this once.
Plan your visit to Middelfart. Music, climate debates, and markets spread across the summer. Here are our recommendations for the coming weeks.